The Final Battle; Battle of the Beasts: Peregrination Series

By SG Boudreaux

Our Peregrines journey to many different places in search of the last piece of armor while Dekker reforges the swords and recoats the Armor of God in preparation for the final battle.

The inhabitants of Reader's Island need a way to unwind from the recent demon battle and plan a night of revelry on the island, and with the disc

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zanchier Publications
• Release date: Dec 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781733963695

SG Boudreaux

SG Boudreaux is a new faith-based fiction writer who was inspired to write the Peregrination Series in the summer of 2017 during an intense storm. She resides in Louisiana with her husband of twenty-four years. They have three children, who she has homeschooled for the last twenty years. Her family is very active in the homeschool community and their local church.

Book preview

The Final Battle; Battle of the Beasts

Peregrination Series Book 5

SG Boudreaux

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Zanchier Publications

ISBN 9781733963688 (paperback)

ISBN 9781733963695 (digital)

Copyright 2019 by S.G. Boudreaux

All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photo-copying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests solicit the publisher via the USPS or email address below.

Zanchier PublicationsPO Box 12936

Lake Charles, La. 70612

Printed in the United States of America

[e-mail]

https://www.sgboudreaux.com

https://www.zanchierpublications.com

Definition

Peregrinate: To leave one’s homeland and wander

for the love of God; to travel, especially on foot.

(v.) to travel over or through something.

Glossary

Cruciform Churcha tetraconch plan or design, meaning a cross structure with equal length of sides. Later designed as a

cross within a square.

Siq The narrow passageway and entryway between two cliffs into the ancient city of Petra, Jordan.

Kabihanxu (ka bi HAN ju) The firebird’s scientific name. A colorful, four-legged bird type creature that breaths fire

Pagorinx (PA gor inx) A large wild cat-like creature residing in the Xantifal Mountain range in Zanchier.

Tanmoyaro Draconomai (Tan mo Yar o)(Dra CO no mI)

Mountain of the Dragons.

Yarequu (Yar a Koo) A horse like creature residing in Zanchier, that stands twenty to twenty-five hands high and has a width of up to eight hands. It is larger than a Clydesdale, has three-toed split hooves, braided, twisted mane and tail, has spikes that slant upward at each leg at the knee joint. It is charcoal in color with streaks of white and teal around its eyes, ears, and mouth, and running down its neck, fanning out and blending into its coat. These streaks are also evident around its hooves and the spikes on its legs.

Monshokto- (Mon SHOK toe) A large Zanchier creature, that is mainly a land dweller and lives by Everly Lake. They eat plants and fish and are defensive creatures. They have a near flat face, one horn in the center of its head and can makes a deep reverberating sound. It is very hairy and is the color of sand and grayish-brown rock, allowing them to appear as boulders on shore. It has a long thick tail, walks upright on two legs, and runs on all four. They can hold their breath for fifteen minutes at a time underwater.

Some of the storms that are listed in the book series are actual storms that took place throughout history. Some places in the books are actual places and researchable. Some are fictional and are made up the benefit of the storyline.

This book series is a work of fiction. Although it is based upon some biblical truths, all characters are fictional and in no way represent any living or deceased persons. Any similarity is purely coincidental.

Author's Note

First, welcome to any new readers who may be beginning with this fifth and last book in the series. I encourage you to go back and read books 1-4 to fully understand who the characters are and what the books are all about. Also, a big shout out to all my loyal fans who have returned to read the ongoing story entitled the Peregrination Series. I hope you’ve enjoyed the last four books Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water, and that you will find even more fun and intrigue, and that the ending of this series is all that you expected and more.

Book 5 will pull together all the twists and turns that have taken place in the last four books, and even has a few more surprises for you.

The next series that I will be writing is a spin-off of this one. It is titled Zanchier, and each book will have its own subtitles. It takes place in the strange and interesting world that I created for the Peregrination Series in Book 2: Wind. The world of Zanchier kept occurring and turning up in unexpected ways as I wrote the last three books, and so it encouraged me to write a spin-off. You may recognize a few of the characters that are represented in the Peregrination Series, but the books Zanchier predate the Peregrination Series. I am expecting this new series, Zanchier, to be a total of three books.

Thank you for your support and if you enjoyed the Peregrination Series, I hope you will follow me over to Zanchier and enjoy a deeper glimpse into that spectacular world.

Prologue

The Peregrines have located most of the Armor of God. They must find the last two pieces, the Shields of Faith ─which must still be located, and the Swords of the Spirit ─which were dismantled long ago and melted down. The new blacksmith, Dekker Smit Vandenberg, must refashion the swords for them and make them strong enough to do battle against something powerful in the Final Battle. The Dragoman are hoping to find more information about the Final Battle against dragons between the pages of the Book of the Keepers. Which until now, was unable to be read due to the strange language in which it was written. They recently discovered this language to be a unique blend of Akrotiri’s ancient language and another form of Greek.

Marnor Draiwood, the Scaither leader from Zanchier, was somehow able to peregrinate to Reader’s Island after the massive demon battle the Peregrines, Dragoman, desert people, and Zanchier creatures all just fought. Many of their friends, both human and animal, perished in that battle. Because of their past connections, Caroline and Sofia are having issues with Marnor’s presence, which is causing tensions on Reader’s Island. Seth and Oz also have issues with Marnor due to the treatment of the two women and many others by the Scaithers, a rogue band of evil people whom Marnor was the leader of until very recently.

Uriah has disappeared, Petra is still being held prisoner, Safra is now a younger version of herself, and new relationships form as others grow stronger. Annabelle, the newest and youngest Keeper has unexpectedly bonded with Nicholas who is as surprised by this as everyone else, his past hurts still vivid memories.

Now, on with the next and last story in the Peregrination Series of novels.

Contents

1. Chapter 1

2. Chapter 2

3. Chapter 3

4. Chapter 4

5. Chapter 5

6. Chapter 6

7. Chapter 7

8. Chapter 8

9. Chapter 9

10. Chapter 10

11. Chapter 11

12. Chapter 12

13. Chapter 13

14. Chapter 14

15. Chapter 15

16. Chapter 16

17. Chapter 17

18. Chapter 18

19. Chapter 19

20. Chapter 20

21. Chapter 21

22. Chapter 22

23. Chapter 23

About the Author

Books in the Series

Other books by

Chapter 1

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4: 15-16 NIV

Reader’s Island, Present Day

Simon stood at the coffee pot waiting for the dark liquid to finish brewing. Although the events of the previous day had everyone exhausted, including himself, he still could not seem to be able to get much sleep. Thoughts of yesterday’s losses and the brutality of it all plagued his mind. He knew from experience that it would pass, he just wondered if they were to face another such battle in the future. He wasn’t sure they could all handle another fight like that. In all of Simon’s thirty years of being a Dragoman, they had never fought in a war as large as what they had faced yesterday. They had, for the most part, come out unscathed. Except for the loss of many friends The Twelve still remained intact, meaning the future of mankind was still secure, hopefully.

These new Peregrines fought like no other he had ever seen before. The gifts they were given were quite different from some of those of the past. Perhaps God was preparing them. Knowing The Twelve were now selected and assembled meant that the end and the final battle was close at hand. They had only one more piece of armor to locate, and the swords to refashion before they were ready to face what they recently discovered as four beasts or dragons.

Everything Simon knew about dragons from all the folklore given about them meant they may well face giant beasts that could breathe fire. He wasn’t sure the armored pieces could handle that sort of heat. If they didn’t melt from the contact, they may likely heat up to the point of cooking the Peregrines in the very thing that was meant to protect and aid them in the fight. What also concerned him was the fact that perhaps whatever beast they fought may do more than just breathe fire. The four beasts may well have very different capabilities. He only wished there were some way to find out what those capabilities were, and what sort of beasts they were to fight. Perhaps they could take the Book of the Keepers to Heba today for translation, and the material to make the capes as well. However, if the Peregrines were to face fire-breathing dragons, then perhaps cloth capes may not be such a good idea after-all. He would have to research that in the ancient archival books they found. Surely, the answers to all their questions were in them somewhere. The books had certainly answered some of the previous mysteries already, such as Seth and Jason appearing together in the same portal from different places. And what they were to do with this new breed of warrior known as the Keepers, whom all four were very young people. Annabelle, the recently found ten-year-old girl being the youngest ever to be called to this lifestyle.

The coffee finished brewing, and Simon grabbed one of the largest mugs he could find and filled it to the top. He added a spoonful of sugar and a dash of cream to his cup, took it and walked outside to the patio area. It had to be near four in the morning. He would sit outside, drink his coffee, and enjoy the constant island breeze created by the rolling seas that surrounded the forty-nine square mile island. The sunrise should be coming up in a couple of hours, so Simon sat in the quiet, fragrant, soul-soothing, peace of the island. The early morning birds chirped occasionally, and he sat with his eyes closed, relishing the feel of the breeze upon his skin and the scent of the tropical flowers that filled the island paradise. Simon inhaled deeply of the smell of jasmine wafting past on the soothing brush of air that caressed his upturned face. He took a few more deep breaths before opening his eyes and taking a few sips from his coffee mug. The taste of the coffee soothing his insides as much as the feel of the breeze and scent of flowers soothed his outside.

Simon loved the island, but he did miss his own home on Barrier’s Edge at Garganthera. However now, with the demons attacking and destroying most of the Dragoman safehouses, the island was truly the only safe place for everyone. He missed the solitude his place offered him, but there were many places on the island here where someone could find solitude should they need it.

Nuncio suddenly came to his mind, and Simon’s demeanor turned to one of remorse once again.

What am I going to do without you, old friend. Simon exhaled heavily and peered up at the still star-filled sky. He would miss Nuncio dearly. They had fought this war together for more than thirty years. Nuncio had been at it for forty years, but now he was at peace. Resting in the saving knowledge of Jesus. He no longer suffered the constant pain of the wretched injury he sustained thirteen years before. He had wanted to go out in a blaze of glory, and by god, he certainly did that.

Simon smiled at the image of his dear old friend standing firm, seated upon his steed on the battlefield, his sword raised and ready, a smile as big as life written across his face. Nuncio had lived a long and useful life, working for the good of mankind until the day he died. He had served honorably, and Simon would make certain that everyone who had perished serving God would be remembered and honored when the final battle was over. He had lost many friends over the years living this way. But it wasn’t something they could just quit doing. It wasn’t a life you just chose to ignore.

However, some Peregrines and Dragoman from earlier on apparently did choose not to follow God’s leading. Toren Pascal Degare’ was such a person. What a shock it had been to find that Seth Jager and Jason Marshal were half-brothers from different time eras. Simon sometimes wondered how many more half siblings Toren had fathered out there in the first dimension, or perhaps in other dimensions as well. Could the man have actually fathered children all over time and space? It was something to which he was certain they would never really know the answer. At least Jason and Seth had found one another.

That miracle in itself was another mystery. The Dragoman had always believed that the Chosen were randomly selected by God. However, recent events might prove otherwise.

Hiram Burke who was a Dragoman thirteen years back had a daughter who was now called as a Keeper. And Seth and Jason, both half-brothers from the same Peregrine father who served a thousand years ago, were both also called to peregrination. Then, there was the strange incident of Caroline Jager, Seth’s wife, being called to peregrination as well. They are the only family members that Simon knew of that had ever been called to serve. Everyone else was called singularly. However, now that Simon thought about it, no one else was married before they peregrinated. Sure, they may have been involved or engaged, but not yet in a truly committed relationship. If Simon was correct, none of them had children to leave behind either. Except for Toren Degare’, but he did so after he was called to peregrinate. As did Hiram Burke, Bridget’s father. Then there was Safra. Her father Sage Driscoll had been none of the above. Just a man called and committed to serve God’s chosen. Safra was the same as her father, she served the Lord’s cause and his people. Maybe there was much more to being called than Simon knew.

Lord, Simon exhaled, exasperatedly, if I am to figure this out, you’re going to have to help me with it.

He sat pondering his thoughts and drinking his coffee until the sun peeked above the edge of the horizon, sending a splash of instant light and color across the sky which was reflected in the smooth surface of the water.

Just after sunrise, others began making their way outside to enjoy the sights and sounds the island had to offer. Safra headed toward Simon with coffee cups in hand, not only for herself but for Simon as well. She sat the cup in front of him with a grin and took a seat beside him.

Simon smiled at her. Thank you, Safra. He took the second cup gratefully, sipping from the fresh, hot liquid. Safra knew him well, even this younger version of herself. He remembered her looking this way so long ago. It made him wonder why he chose to bring Safra here from the 1950s era of Morocco instead of this younger version. She had obviously known something he did not. He would miss his older, wiser, gentler, stubborn friend. But he knew she had been growing tired and was feeling useless as of late. She knew she wouldn’t have been of any use to them on the battlefield yesterday, and so had gone back in time to get her younger self to help in the war. And help she did. Safra was a great warrior, even at an older age, but the woman who now sat beside him had amazed all who managed to catch a glimpse of her in action yesterday. She had proven to be a force to be reckoned with, even without any special powers like those of the Peregrines and Dragoman.

Simon thought about something that captured his attention. How did Safra peregrinate without the aid of someone else? Did someone go back in time with her? No one said as much. Perhaps Nuncio or one of the others who died in battle yesterday had taken her back while they were making camp in Timna Valley. He decided to ask her instead of continuing to speculate.

Safra, can you tell me who peregrinated with your older self when she went back to get you?

No one. She came alone.

How is that possible? She was never able to peregrinate alone before.

I think it has something to do with the Portgen. Neither of us had problems walking through, and she left the island through Barrier’s Edge, alone.

Strangely curious, Simon answered, drifting off into deep thought.

As he sat there drinking his coffee and his mind tried to figure out why neither of them perished while attempting to travel, Marnor Draiwood appeared outside on the patio. When he spotted Safra, he came straight for their table.

Simon watched him approach and looked at Safra.

What on earth is he doing here?

She looked at him. I thought he was with all of you.

No. He isn’t. I’m uncertain as to who the man is all together. All though, I do think he is somehow intertwined with Bridget and Caroline.

Marnor stopped at the table looking at Safra, about to speak. Simon stood and interrupted him.

Excuse me but, who are you and how did you get here on this island?

Marnor looked nervously at Simon. Marnor Draiwood. I came with all of you from the demon fight.

How is that possible? Only Peregrines and Dragoman can walk through time.

Marnor shrugged his shoulders. I don’t know. All I know is I didn’t have any trouble with it.

Well, Marnor Draiwood. Where exactly is it that you come from?

Bakrashan, Marnor stated.

Where exactly is Bakrashan?

In Zanchier.

The world Oz and Sofia were trapped in for thirteen years? Simon asked, surprised.

Yeah, Marnor said a bit sheepishly.

Didn’t you say your last name was Draiwood? Is that any relation to Mary Draiwood?

Marnor shifted his stance nervously. She was my mother.

How were you able to leave that place?

I made a pact with a demon that possessed me. I guess that’s how I was able to leave.

Simon’s brows shot up in surprise. "I’d say you’re very lucky to be alive and in your right mind."

Marnor shook his head in agreement.

So, you’re Bridget’s brother?

"Half-brother. Hiram was not my father," he said with disdain.

Yes. I’ve heard about you as well. Simon looked disapprovingly at him over the rim of his glasses.

Marnor swallowed hard and shifted feet. "I’m sure there is a lot more that you haven’t heard. But I’ve changed. Only recently, but I have changed."

Regardless, I don’t believe that you staying here on the island is where you need to be. This place is for Peregrines, Dragoman, and Keepers only. No one else has ever been allowed here. We’ll have to decide what to do with you I’m afraid.

Marnor didn’t say anything. He clenched his teeth, and his jaw tensed in agitation, but he silently hung his head. He wasn’t used to being told what to do. But if he was going to have any chance of staying with these people and his half-sister Bridget, he needed to learn to bite his tongue. He was determined to do what he needed to, too have the chance to get to know Bridget. She had saved his miserable excuse for an existence all because he was her brother. He needed to know what made these people different. He had never met people like them. Well, he had, but he was so busy torturing them and thinking them to be liars that he never took them seriously.

I know that my being here isn’t what you expected, but I just want the opportunity to get to know my sister. I figure I’m here for a reason. Can you just give me the chance to prove myself? Marnor stated.

Simon looked at the man. He had heard some of the stories that Sofia and Oz told about their time in Zanchier and their dealings with the Scaithers.

I’ll discuss your fate with the other Dragoman. But for now, we have more important things with which to deal. You have a day or two of reprieve. Make the most of your time here. It will likely be short lived.

Simon looked at Safra. Would you mind keeping an eye on this man?

Not at all, Simon. I’ll make certain he behaves while he’s here. He can help with taking care of the manor and such.

Simon looked at Marnor, then walked away toward the house. He had much to think over. He decided to make a list of things that needed to be done so they didn’t miss anything. With Nuncio gone, he would have more on his own plate. He would confer with Malachai, Vashti, Prisca, and perhaps even Ryan. They were the only Dragoman left now. Everything rested on their shoulders. As Simon entered the large Caribbean style, mansion-sized home, Seth and Caroline were walking out. They bid each other good morning in passing.

Seth and Caroline walked out on the large patio with their breakfast and found a place to sit. Seth noticed Caroline tense up slightly at the sheer sight of Marnor Draiwood. Seth figured it was time for her to fill him in on why the man made her so obviously uncomfortable. She did threaten to, and almost did, kill the man after yesterday’s battle.

All right, Caroline, what’s the deal with this Marnor character? What did he do to you to make you so angry?

Caroline slid the capped sleeve of her T-shirt up slightly to reveal the branded mark she was given when she was held as a prisoner, and future conquest, of one Riglan Mortruff’s while back on Zanchier.

This, amongst other things, she said morosely.

He’s the one who had you branded? Anger began to build in his chest as he turned to glare at the man.

Not exactly. He’s one of the men who captured me, hauled me out of the Xantifal Mountains, threatened me, tied me up, kept me prisoner and, actually put the red-hot iron to my skin. All at the orders of a man called Riglan.

Seth stared at the man, and with every explanative she spoke Seth’s knuckles grew tighter over the arm of the chair, to the point that he began crushing the steel beneath him.

Caroline noticed the damage he was inflicting on the lawn furniture and reached out to calm his nerves.

Seth, she said soothingly as she touched his hand to get his attention. I think the poor chair is calling uncle. She gave him a small smile.

Seth released his hold on the chair arm, not realizing what he had done until she brought his attention to it.

Sorry, but I’d really like to get my hands on that guy. When I think about what they did to you, and what else they might have done, it infuriates me.

"I know. But, apparently it was all a part of God’s plan. That is how I received my tribal mark. Although, I have to say, I would have been happier if he had chosen a more pleasant way to mark me." Caroline sarcastically grinned.

Caroline thought about the ceremony they were ready to perform on her that night in the Scaither camp. She didn’t tell Seth that part and she wasn’t ever going to. She new he would make good on his threats to kill the man, and she didn’t want to burden his soul with unnecessary information. She had also made Bridget and Oz promise never to say anything to him about it either. It was in the past. Or, at least it had been until Marnor somehow managed to show up, not only in the first dimension, but, here on the island as well. Her one place of solace and refuge from the ungliness of the world. Until now.

Caroline glanced around the patio looking for Sofia. If anyone had a reason to hate Marnor Draiwood, it was Sofia. She had been held prisoner by the Scaithers for ten years. Not only that, she was a beautiful woman, and had been used and treated cruelly by Riglan, and she suspected, by Marnor as well.

She saw Sofia coming out of the house. She watched her eyes scan the group and land on Marnor. Sofia squared her shoulders, breathed deeply and stepped outside. Caroline waved her over to sit with her and Seth. Sofia’s expression seemed to be one of relief. The two of them hadn’t spoken much since returning to the island and hitting the ground running, literally. But they both shared a special bond and understanding that few others here could grasp. Caroline couldn’t imagine the horrors she had faced in bondage with those abusive people for ten years. Caroline only had one whole day, and it had been enough to give her nightmares.

Seth began to stand as she approached the table. Sofia smiled at his gentlemanly manners and waved him to sit down. She placed her plate on the table and pulled out her chair to sit.

Seth, I haven’t had a man stand in my presence since I was married to Caislan. You don’t have to make any special effort for me. She grinned.

Seth smiled. Sorry, just habit.

I know.

Sofia sat, prayed quickly over her food, and then smiled at them. So, what do you two have planned for the day?

Caroline knew she didn’t want to discuss Marnor and was happy to oblige her direction of conversation. Not really sure yet. After yesterday, I figure everyone will be taking it as easy as possible.

True. I could certainly use a day to while away my time. Sofia sighed and grinned.

They all grinned at each other.

Seth sighed. Well, with everything going on, I doubt we’ll get a full day. But I for one don’t think we need any sparring practice today. I think I might go fishing in one of the boats. Surely Clancy and Henry could use some fresh fish for tonight’s dinner.

Caroline smiled. Sounds good to me. Sofia, would you like to tag along with us?

Thanks, but I think I’ll pass. Besides, I figure you two could use some time alone. It’s kind of hard to get that when you live with forty or so other people. She chuckled slightly, and they joined her.

True, Seth said, looking at Caroline. So, what do you say. You ready to go fishing? It’ll take us maybe twenty minutes to gather everything we need and walk down to the boat docks.

I’m very ready. I think the last time I went fishing was a couple of years ago on one of our dates. She smiled.

Yes, and if I recall correctly, you out-fished me three to one. Seth laughed. Caroline and Sofia laughed with him.

Sofia smiled at them. You two have fun. If anyone asks, I’ll let them know where you went and that you will be back in a few hours.

Thanks, Sofia. You’re sure you don’t want to tag along? Caroline asked, glancing at Marnor questioningly.

Sofia smiled at her attempt to keep her away from Marnor. No, thanks. I’m sure I’ll find something to do today. Sofia watched as Seth and Caroline picked up their dishes and walked inside the house.

It wasn’t long after they left that Marnor walked up to the table.

Shraiva, can I talk to you a minute?

Sofia tensed at the sound of the name she was given as a prisoner of the Scaithers; never turning to address the man.

My name isn’t Shraiva. It’s Sofia. If you call me that one more time, I’m not going to be responsible for what I do to you.

Sorry…Sofia. It’s just, that’s all I’ve ever known you by. Riglan never told us his girls real names.

Sofia tensed again at him mentioning her being one of Riglan’s girls. Like she had had any choice in the matter.

Look, Sofia, Marnor stumbled over his words. He stood there looking at her stiff back, trying to find the right thing to say. "I’m sorry, for everything that you ever went through. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, I just want you to know that I really am sorry for what I did and what I allowed to be done to you. To everyone who was ever like you. I just…wanted you to know that.

Marnor waited for a response for a few seconds. When she didn’t turn or respond he walked away, headed inside for kitchen duties.

Sofia watched him go inside the house. She didn’t know what to say or how to react. She had suffered so brutally at the hands of the Scaithers for so long, she didn’t trust herself around him. She even still felt a bit intimidated by the man. It was all she could do to threaten him without fear of pain being inflicted on herself. She knew she would eventually have to forgive him. It was what God expected of her. She just didn’t know how much forgiveness she had in her.

She felt someone’s hand upon her shoulder and she jumped.

Sofia, are you all right? Rourke, her long time friend was standing beside her chair, watching Marnor enter the house.

Yes, Rourke, I’m fine. Thanks.

I didn’t mean to startle you. Rourke sat beside her in one of the chairs and leaned toward her. You just looked like you needed a little help. Do I need to have a chat with that fella’?

Sofia grinned tightly at him. "No. It’s